| Our
clients have astute design sensibilities, are owners of an original Frank Lloyd
Wright home in Virginia and are also textile art collectors. They presented us
with a wonderful challenge to create a large addition and major remodel of their
1970's "Bucky Fuller" inspired Geodesic Dome in the countryside. It
was a collaborative effort between the architects and builder.
The objective
was to create an addition that would "Embrace" the existing Geodesic
Dome and the beautiful meadow views in the front and be backed by a higher rock
cliff outcropping in the North West. The natural contours of the site allowed
for the three level design. The triangular wing structure was geometrically conceived
as a "Part of the Whole" and follows the "Natural Growth Process"
as defined by fractal mathematics.  |  | FIRST
FLOOR | SECOND FLOOR |
The existing dome and the addition opens to a Southeast facing meadow allowing
for a mid-level two-story passive solar garden room with dark slate floors to
absorb and radiate solar heat. The lower level has two bedroom suites and the
upper level is the master bedroom suite and studio loft. The existing dome was
remodeled with a contemporary kitchen opening to the existing dining and family
room functions.
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The stair design for access to both the upper and lower levels was required
to be an "art piece". The stair was designed as a transparent floating
stair with triangular Glue Lam treads to recall the mass of the beams.
It
is supported by one stringer made of three-inch square custom steel that changes
directions and is flanked by hidden attachments and glass railings.
The
building envelope is well insulated and has SIP panels in the roof structure supported
by Glue Lam ceiling beams. While a complete geothermal heating and cooling system
was originally planned for the new construction, the energy calculations revealed
that with the passive solar feature and high efficiency boiler with heat recovery
system and two new gas fireplaces in the new wing, there was no need to even build
the geothermal system. On a cool day in January, both the dome and new wing feel
pleasantly warm without the heating on. |
Natural
materials such as cork, pine, tile and slate floors and a handcrafted mahogany
door add to the natural, sustainable qualities of this custom home addition. Janice
Welton, A.I.A., is a registered architect in California and New York. She is also
a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and co-founder or the American Feng Shui Institute.
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